Wallabies’ assistant coach Brett Hodgson has stored a notably low profile on the World Cup however he’s made a huge impact on fullback-turned-fan-boy Andrew Kellaway.
Australia’s defence coach hasn’t fronted the media in France since a short zoom name final month however Kellaway has been selecting the brains of the former NRL star.
Hodgson began his profession with Western Suburbs again in 1997, spent 4 seasons with Parramatta after which returned to the joint-venture Wests Tigers for an additional 5 years earlier than shifting his profession to the UK.
Of diminutive stature, Hodgson was the 2005 Dally M fullback of the year, the leading point-scorer as the Wests Tigers came from nowhere to win the premiership that year.
He scored two tries in Parramatta’s losing 2001 grand final against Newcastle while he is also famous for getting rag-dolled over the sideline by Maroons enforcer Gorden Tallis when he made his State of Origin debut in 2002.
Kellaway grew up in the inner west and is a big fan of Hodgson, now 45, and the Wests Tigers.
“He was a little fella with a big heart, he had a crack,” 27-year-old Kellaway said of Hodgson’s playing days.
“He’s a Wests Tigers legend – he’s been awesome – he’s played in big games, plays the same position as I do so on a personal note, I found him incredibly useful.
“I didn’t watch a heap of league growing up but I’m a Wests Tigers fan, so any Wests Tigers people coming into camp is a bit of a morale boost.”
Hodgson ended up at Parramatta when Western Suburbs and Balmain merged ahead of the 2000 season, leaving as a way of staying loyal to late Magpies great and then coach Tommy Raudonikis who initially resisted the change.
Kellaway joked Hodgson must still carry the scars because he wouldn’t sign his Balmain jersey.
“I’ve got my Tigers jersey back at the hotel but he refused to sign it cause it’s Balmain Tigers and he’s Wests Magpies technically.”
